Food and Cooking · Topic 7 of 54

Spices

Spices come from seeds, roots, bark or fruits of plants, like pepper, cinnamon, turmeric and cumin. They flavour food and were once worth as much as gold.

💡 Fun fact

The spice trade drove many explorers to sail across the seas.

All about Spices

Spices come from the seeds, roots, bark, buds or fruits of plants. Examples include black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric and cumin. Unlike herbs, which usually come from leaves, spices are often dried and ground to add strong flavour and aroma.

Spices have been traded for thousands of years and were once very valuable. Trade routes such as the Silk Road and sea routes to Asia were partly built to bring spices to Europe. Today spices flavour dishes across the world.

🎮 Try it yourself!

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Real-life uses of Spices

Adding cumin and turmeric to a curry
Sprinkling cinnamon on porridge or toast
Using black pepper to season soups and salads

Frequently asked questions about Spices

What is the difference between herbs and spices?

Herbs usually come from the leaves of plants, such as basil or parsley. Spices come from other parts, such as seeds, bark and roots.

Which spice is the most expensive?

Saffron, which is made from the stigmas of crocus flowers, is one of the most expensive spices by weight.

Are spices good for you?

Many spices contain antioxidants, and they can add flavour without extra salt or sugar.